Memoir of the Rev. Elias Cornelius

Contents

Preface,

Chapter I

Birth — Preparation for College — Admission to Yale College — Studies —

Conversion, 13

CHAPTER n.

Study of Tlieology with Dr. D wight— Revival of Religion at Yale College— Fairhaven — Benevolent efforts — Residence at Litchfield, . 26

CHAPTER HI.

License to preach the Gospel — Engagement as an Agent in behalf of the Bombay schools — Ordination as a Missionary— Agency among the southwestern Indians — !{esidonce in New Orleans — Marriage — Agency for raising a Fund for the Corresponding Secretary of the American Board of Missions— Studies at A ndover, .... 48

CHAPTER IV.

Installation in Salem over the Tabernacle church — Studies — Sermons

— Pastoral labors — Benevolent agencies — General influence, . . 124

CHAPTER V.

Social and Domestic Character, 166

CHAPTER VI.

Sketch of the history of Education Societies — Agencies of Mr. Cornelius, in behalf of the American Education Society — Appointment as Secretary of the Society — Dismission from his pastoral charge at Salem — Removal to Andover, 196

CHAPTER VII.

Labors in connection with the American Education Society, from 1826

CHAPTER VIII.

Character of Mr. Cornelius, as a Public Agent, 311

CHAPTER IX.

Appointment of Mr. Cornelius as Corresponding Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions — Deliberations— Acceptance of the appointment — Agency in Boston — Illness— Death, 325

Preface

TO

THE FIRST EDITION.

The delay in the publication of the following Memoir is to be asciibed, in part, to the difficulty experienced in procuring a portion of the materials. Some of the most valuable of the letters, did not reach the compiler until the last summer.

The extracts in the volume from the journals of Mr. Cornelius, are exclusively taken from the public memoranda, or notes, which he was in the habit of recording. Some of them are drawn out into considerable detail ; but, in general, they are simply rough sketches, containing dates, names of towns, number of miles which he travelled, &,c. In examining his papers after his death, a large collection was found, embracing evidently the records of a number of years. On the envelope, the following sentence was written. " Private papers, to be read only by the owner, and when he has done with them, to be consumed, without opening or examination." The words underscored seemed to have been recently added. A small book was also discovered, upon the first page of which were these words. " This manuscript contains my private journal of things concerning the interests of my soul. To be read and examined only by the owner, and when he has done with the same, to be consumed in the fire. This he leaves as his solemn charge, and dying request, to him, whosoever it may be, that shall obtain possession. Let him, who would have others faithful to himself, be faithful to me." The latter manuscript was commenced, as it would appear from the envelope, after Mr. Cornelius left home for the last time. The wish of the owner of the manuscripts has been scrupulously complied with. However great the interest, which extracts from them might have imparted to the memoir, there was obviously but one course to be pursued ; that of leaving them untouched. It may be a matter of regret that Mr. Cornelius decided to have them destroyed, but the adherence to his wishes, so explicitly made known, will be justified.

In the perusal of the volume, the reader may do well to recollect, that Mr. Cornelius passed nearly the vi^hole of his life in the performance of public duties of various and exhausting description, and that consequently he had little time for social, literary, or religious correspondence, except so far as the indispensable calls of duty required.

The compiler would have preferred, on several accounts, to have confined his attention entirely to the

Vll editing and arranging of the manuscripts, which were placed in his possession, occasionally adding an explanatory or connecting paragraph. Those biographies are the most instructive, in which the subject is allowed to give his own narrative, and develope his own sentiments, in such words as pleased himself. In the present case, some deviation from this rule was thought to be desirable, as the private journals of Mr. Cornelius were not accessible, and nothing in the shape of an autobiography was in existence. The remarks which are made upon his character as a pastor, preacher, and public agent, are offered with unfeigned diffidence.

The few brief extracts which are given from the reports of the Education Society, are favorable specimens of his style of writing, and they will serve to give a connected, though condensed view of the history of the institution. Those persons, who are familiar with this history, will please to remember, that there is a large and increasing class of youthful readers, to whom its statements will be new. For the same reason, explanatory notes are occasionally added.

It will be observed that the title of doctor in divinity, which was conferred on him, in 1829, by one of our most respectable colleges, is not retained in the memoir. It has been omitted in consequence of views repeatedly expressed by him on the subject, especially in his last illness. He did not decline the honor from any disrespect to its source, or with any wish to condemn others, who may judge differently ; but from a belief that its assumption is not altogether in accordance with the spirit of the gospel.

The likeness prefixed to the volume is not considered a good one in all respects. It was engraved from a painting of Mr. Cornelius, which fails to give an accurate representation of his features. He sat for the picture at a time when he was recovering from illness. The execution, both of the painting and engraving, is fine, and in some respects is strikinglyconformed to the original ; but in others, it essentially fails.

A number of words and phrases in the volume, which are not pure English, or against which some objection lies, are printed in Italic characters. It is difficult to describe certain subjects, introduced into this memoir, in phraseology which is entirely correct.

Boston, December, 1833.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ta THE

SECOND EDITION.

A FEW corrections and alterations are made in this edition of the Memoir. Occasionally, unimportant paragraphs have heen expunged, and in a few instances the sentiment has been slightly modified.

Boston, May, 1834.

MEMOIR

REV. ELIAS CORNELIUS-

Acts ix. 6.

MEMOIR.

CHAPTER I.

BIRTH PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE ADMISSION TO YALE

COLLEGE STUDIES CONVERSION.

Elias Cornelius, the subject of the following sketch, was born at Somers, Westchester county, New York, on the 30th of July, 1794. His paternal ancestors came originally from Holland. His father had commenced the study of medicine, under the superintendence of doctor Samuel Latham, a physician of New York city, when the war with Gr at Britain commenced. In entire opposition to the wishes of all his relatives, doctor Cornelius entered the service of his country, at the age of twenty years, in the capacity of surgeon's mate, in the second regiment of Rhode Island troops, then under the command of colonel Israel Angell. He was soon after taken prisoner, and thrown into the old Provost prison, in New York, where he was confined for a considerable period, and where he suffered almost incredible hardships. In March, 1778, he escaped, rejoined the army, and remained in the service of his country till 1781. He then commenced his professional business in Yorktown, about fifty miles from 2 the city of New York. While in the army he had become the subject of permanent religious impressions, which rendered him afterwards, in a spiritual sense, " the beloved physician." He joined the Congregational church in Yorktown, and in 1787, was appointed to the office of deacon. He soon after removed his residence to the northwest part of the town of Somers, and in 1790, formed, in conjunction with a few individuals, a church in Carmel, opposite Somers, the members of which were gathered from four or five contiguous towns. This was called the Red Mills society, or the church at Red Mills. The medical practice of doctor Cornelius extended, for many years, over a large district, comprehending portions of Somers, Yorktown, Carmel, Phillipstown, and Fredericktown. Though he had not enjoyed the advantages of an early education, yet by industry and love of study, he had acquired much general, as well as professional knowledge. To all his duties he brought a large measure of energy and firmness. His exertions in building a meeting-house, and in procuring and maintaining a preacher, were of the most prompt and liberal character. His first wife was a daughter of doctor Brewer, by whom he had four or five children, all of whom died at an early age. Mrs. Cornelius soon followed them to the grave. By his second marriage, doctor Cornelius had one son, and four daughters. The widow, and three of the daughters, are still living.

In the early history of young Cornelius, nothing of ■special interest occurs. " I was very intimate in the family," says a venerable clergyman, who then officiated at the Red Mills church, " and was conversant with the history of the education of that only son. He was a very frank, active, and pleasant boy, full of vivacity, fond of the social circle and conversation ; but easily governed.

His turn of mind exposed him sometimes to acts of juvenile indiscretion ; but he was readily corrected, and brought to a sense of his faults. We foresaw that his social disposition might expose him to the influence of crafty and vicious company; and this circumstance sometimes discouraged his father. He was apprehensive that an education would only qualify his son to do extensive mischief But it was strongly represented to him, that these traits of character would prepare the lad for eminent usefulness, if they could be turned into the right channel," As both his parents were pious, he was early and faithfully instructed in his duties to his Lord and Redeemer. Of the prayers and labors which were expended in his behalf, no marked fruits appeared for a number of years. He sometimes, however, manifested a warm interest in the intelligent and devout conversation of his superiors in age. His conscience, enlightened by perusal of the Bible, and by the living example of his friends, did not allow him to remain in quiet, while alienated from his Maker. At one time, in his early boyhood, his feelings were deeply interested in reading Lindley Murray's " Power of Religion," a book which records the happy experience of many dying believers in Jesus.

It was a signal favor to the church, that doctor Cornelius united in his character, those qualities which could control the high spirits of his son, and at the same time implant in his bosom the principles of the most affectionate and endearing filial attachment. No measures more intelligent and judicious could have been adopted, in providing for him an elementary and academical education.

His preparatory studies for college were committed, in part, to the care of the Rev. Herman Daggett, afterwards principal of the Foreign Mission School, at Cornwall, Ct. To the instructions of this gentleman, Mr. Cornelius was greatly indebted for his skill in penmanship, and for the order, accuracy, and fine tact, which he ever exhibited in his pecuniary and business engagements. Mr. Daggett might be called an instructor of the " old school ; " possessing much of that manual dexterity, as well as thorough enthusiasm in his pursuits, which have rendered the names of Corbet, Ezekiel Cheever, and master Moody, so famous in the records of elementary education. To a well-trained mind, and to a perfect acquaintance with all the minutiae of his duties, Mr. Daggett united gentle affections, warm sensibilities, and winning manners. Mr. Cornelius ever looked back to this period in his life, with deep interest, associating the acquisition of habits of great importance to himself, with the faithful services and affectionate heart of his revered instructor. Mr. Daggett has within a few months been summoned to join his beloved pupil, as we doubt not, in " the general assembly and church of the first born."

In September, 1810, when a little more than sixteen years of age, Mr. Cornelius entered the sophomore class in Yale college. His father had preferred Columbia college, in the city of New York, as a place for the education of his son ; but he wisely listened to the suggestions of a mutual friend, who thought it injudicious to expose a young man of so ardent temperament to the dangers of a great metropolis.

Of the history of his mind at college, or of his literary course, the notices must necessarily be brief Having passed his life in the country, amidst interesting natural scenery, and possessing habits of great bodily activity, which led him frequently into the woods and fields, he early developed a strong predilection for mineralogy and the kindred sciences. This tendency was probably strengthened by those habits of orderly arrangement, which so strikingly characterize some of the departments of natural history. He saw in these studies much which could gratify the taste which he had early formed for beauty of proportion, and skilful arrangement. He rambled many miles in the country around New Haven, with his steel, mineral tests, and stone-hammer, and returned with heavy loads of stone and ore. He W'as accustomed to mark all his specimens in mineralogy, many of which were valuable, with great care ; and on a particular shelf he had written, in prominent letters, *' Handle not." Some years before Mr. Cornelius united with the seminary, colonel Gibbs, of Newtown, near New York city, a very liberal benefactor to science, had established a small' fund for premiums in natural history. From the avails of this fund, costly mineralogical specimens were awarded to the two members in a class who were most distinguished for their researches in mineralogy. "Mr. Cornelius," remarks a class-mate, "received the first premium during junior year, and I the second. In senior year, we again received the premiums in a reversed order. There was on neither occasion any feeling of rivalship between us ; least of all, in senior year. On the last occasion, Cornelius coming directly from the mineralogical lecture to my room, remarked, ' Well, well, I hope we have both got a better part, which shall never be taken away from us.' "

In reference to his intellectual character and pursuits, another class-mate makes the following observations. " I was not aware of Mr. Cornelius's extreme youth while in college ; at least so important a fact' in his history, if known, made no permanent impression on my mind. I am induced to believe that to this circumstance must be attributed, principally, his character as a student while in the seminary. I do not recollect that he was deficient in any branch ; but while he w'as distinguished in those studies which relate to natural history, he appeared not to have the same attachment to other pursuits. The native ardor of his mind, which was so early developed, previous to maturity of intellect and the stability of years, led him almost as a necessary consequence to the course which he pursued, especially while not influenced by the principles of religion. In our estimates of character, I think we do not always bring into view sufficiently the original structure of the mind. It would not, perhaps, be correct to state that the faculties of Mr. Cornelius's mind ripened late ; in some respects the reverse was true, yet certain traits which early appeared, wanted the balance of opposite qualities. This circumstance incidentally turned his attention from those branches which demanded the severest mental discipline, to those which presented a more ample field for action and experiment, in which he ever delighted. And this, I conceive to be perfectly consistent with the fact, that he subsequently applied himself to other branches of study, and became conversant with literature to the extent which his other avocations would admit. Very few persons of his age are prepared, whatever may be their previous powers of mind, to make the highest attainments in the studies of college, unless piety has given stability of character, or some favorable circumstances have existed with respect to associates. It is my impression, that the studies to which he attached himself with special interest, gave a fixedness of character to his mind, and prepared him afterwards to pursue other branches with greater benefit. I am in some degree inclined to believe, that it is not so important by what branch of study the mind is, in its earliest years, disciplined, as that the energies should be directed to some one useful and interesting object of attention."

There is no necessity of dissenting from these intelligent remarks. Complete justice, however, would hardly be done to the character of Mr. Cornelius, not to add, that the imperfect acquaintance which he obtained of some of the college studies was ever to him a matter of deep regret. He accordingly labored to remedy the defect so far as was in his power ; and he always threw the whole force of his influence in favor of the most ample classical preparation for professional life. The studies of college are adapted to develope and invigorate all the faculties of the mind. They are framed with a wise regard to every exigency of active life. Ignorance of the ancient languages is an evil, which can never be remedied. The studies of natural history are attended with obvious advantages in respect to the health, the taste, the moral sensibilities, and in their reflex action, on the mind, but they can never be placed in the same rank with the languages and mathematics. They cultivate almost exclusively the powers of observation and of the external senses, not of meditative thought, and inward reflection.

The social character and general influence of Mr. Cornelius are thus described by one of his intimate friends. " During most of his college life, he was certainly a very thoughtless young man. Of prepossessing personal appearance, of a generous, frank, and sociable disposition, fond of company and amusement, his society was coveted by the inconsiderate and irreligious portion of his fellow-students. Among them he was a leader, primus inter pares, although not addicted, so far as I know, to what are termed vicious practices."

In reference to the most important period in his life, when his mind was decisively turned to those great subjects which concerned him as an immortal and accountable being, the readers of this memoir will be gratified with the statements of different individuals. " It is a remarkable fact, though not rare in the history of revivals of religion, that there existed at this time in college, and especially in the senior class, some instances, as it afterwards appeared, of solemn reflection on religious truth, produced by causes having no connection with each other. A few individuals, during the preceding term, had been led to consult volumes on practical theology, and had advanced so far in their inquiries, as to introduce prayer in their rooms. They were deeply impressed with the importance of religion, during the vacation, or at a previous period, by the last warnings of a pious mother, and in various other ways ; and yet, on their return to college, no communication was made on the subject, beyond the walls of private apartments. My room-mate and myself had been accustomed, for a season, to unite with each other in prayer, but further than this, had concealed our emotions in our own bosoms. Happening to be in a room opposite, near the commencement of the term, my class-mates said, ' It is thought that Cornelius has become attentive to the subject of religion, and that that is the cause of the change in his countenance.' The words came to me with great weight, though I made little or no reply. My room, in the appointment of Providence, was directly under that of Cornelias, and according to college-custom, we visited each other frequently. On the evening of the same day, if I remember correctly, after the students had generally retired for the night, with the exception of the occupants of the room above, from some indefinite motive, or light errand, I went to Cornelius's door, and on knocking, was admitted, though I was surprised to find that the door had been locked. After a few words had passed between us, he said, ' We were about to unite in prayer, and I presume you will have no objection to join with us.' He then kneeled with his room-mate, and poured forth such a prayer as I had never heard l)efore. The whole ardor of his soul was directed towards heaven, in supplications for blessings on ourselves and others. The next day he called at our room, and earnestly entreated us to commence with him immediately in seeking salvation.

Our hearts were full before ; and this led to a free communication of our feelings. We now became earnest in our inquiries, and soon it was found that others were in a similar state of mind."

Another individual writes as follows : — " When the little college-church awoke from its guilty slumbers, and as the result,' the effusion of the Holy Spirit was earnestly sought and confidently expected, I well remember, that we selected Cornelius as likely to become a leading opposer of the work of God, and on that account, perhaps, he was made the subject of special prayer. A revival commenced, and to our inexpressible joy, he, if not the first, was one of the first awakened. He early disclosed to me the state of his mind. There was something about him, which excited the most lively interest in his case. His convictions were unusually deep and painful. Of the character of God, as holy, righteous, and sovereign, of the purity of his law, and of the extent of his requirements, of the entire depravity of his own heart, and of the sinfulness of his past life, he had very clear perceptions. Of the truth of the declaration, ' the carnal mind is enmity against God,' he had most distressing proof in his own experience. He saw that he was in the hands of God, who was reasonable in his demands, and would be just in condemning the sinner. But his heart rose at times in fearful rebellion against his Maker. Like the ' bullock unaccustomed to the yoke,' he struggled and seemed determined not to submit ; and I trembled lest the Spirit thus resisted, would ' let him alone.' The anguish of his soul was almost insupportable."

From a letter of a third person, the following statements are gathered. " I have a distinct recollection of the altered appearance of Cornelius, when he returned to college, at the close of January vacation, 1S13. A fellow-student, whom I have consulted, thinks that Mr. Cornelius became somewhat thoughtful, while at home during the vacation. It was, however, my own opinion then, and has been ever since, that he had been unusually gay and thoughtless during the vacation ; and that his first emotion of solemnity, occurred after he had made a fire in his room, on the Tuesday evening of his arrival, and had seated himself alone. I understood then, that while considering the disregard he had paid to parental injunctions, and parental solicitude for his soul, he became deeply penetrated with a sense of ingratitude to his earthly parents ; and that, before he slept, while alone, without the intervention of a human being, and under the inspection of no eye but that of God, he became irresistibly impressed witli the worth and lost condition of his soul. On the following Saturday, I perfectly recollect his making his first entrance into the Moral Library, of which I was librarian, and selecting the ' Memoir of Susanna Anthony.' The reason of my being impressed with this occurrence was, that although Mr. Cornelius was never considered as a vicious or abandoned member of our class, yet he always appeared so full of vivacity, gaiety, and even thoughtlessness, his very solemn mann^- and his inquiry for such a book, could not escape the observation of any one who had known him previously. From this time I do not believe a smile appeared on his countenance, till his conversion. He lost flesh rapidly, and the effect of this external change was irresistible upon the most irreligious of our class. I have no remembrance of ever witnessing so visible and affecting an alteration in one's external demeanor. And it was a remarkable fact, that our very large and respectable class, then in their senior year, became immediately and generally impressed with a sense of their oicn accountability ; which I have no doubt arose through the instrumentality of the marvellous alteration in our gay friend, Cornelius,"

Only one of the letters which he wrote, in this state of anxiety, is now accessible. This is dated on the 25th of March, and is directed to his sister.

In the month of March, about six or seven weeks after the commencement of his religious impressions, he found peace in submission to Christ. " One day," remarks a fellow-student, " he knocked at my door. On opening it, his countenance told me that the contest was over. The storm had passed away, and it was as the ' clear shining after rain.' He requested me to walk with him. We were silent until we had proceeded some distance from college. My own emotions were such that I had no disposition to speak. He was musing, and the fire burned. When we had come to a retired place, unable longer to restrain his feelings, he raised his hands, and exclaimed, ' O ! sweet submission, sweet submission ! ' This expression he repeated many times during our walk. That he was in the hands of God, was his theme, and the rejoicing of his heart. He expressed no hope of pardon, and appeared not to think of himself The glorious Being, to whose character, law, and government, he had felt so much opposition, seemed to occupy the whole field of vision, and to fill his soul with inexpressible delight. Soon he spoke of the plan of salvation through the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God. It was unfolded in its glory, and excited his most grateful admiration. He saw how ' God could be just, and justify him that believeth in Jesus.' ' Believing, he rejoiced in hope of the glory of God.' Pressed with a sense of his obligations to redeeming grace, his fervent aspiration seemed to be, * Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do 1 ' The love of Christ, shed abroad in his heart, immediately manifested itself in vigorous, self-denying efforts for the conversion of his fellow-men."

It may here be remarked, that there is no discrepancy in the preceding accounts. It is highly probable that he had seasons of painful reflection during the preceding term, as well as in the January vacation, though he might have appeared entire\y abandoned to stupidity and thoughtlessness. It is not uncommon that a special manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit is preceded by apathy on the part of many of the servants of Jesus, and of secret feelings of uneasiness and alarm in the hearts of unbelievers.

Having been thus *' apprehended " by his gracious Saviour, he resolved to " count all things losfe " for his sake, and to testify of that love which filled his own soul. He applied himself, indeed, more closely to his studies, that he might be better prepared to preach the everlasting gospel, and in a measure to redeem the time he had lost. But action, benevolent action, was the element of his soul. For the conversion of his fellow-students, he labored and prayed incessantly. On one occasion, he invited a young man to walk with him, who had been for some time in a thoughtful state of mind, but was quieting himself in a delusion which is often fatal to persons in such circumstances. His remarks to the individual were so appropriate to his very critical condition, and his expostulations were so earnest, that it was the occasion, under God, of awakening the delaying sinner, and of leading him, as it was believed, to " lay hold of the hope which was set before him." Though in the class, to which Mr. Cornelius belonged, there had not been previously more than four professors of religion, yet the moral change was glorious, and was the means of affording many useful and distinguished men for the vineyard of the Lord. At one time, there were from eighty to one hundred young men in college, who were deeply solicitous in respect to their eternal welfare.

Early in June, 1813, Mr. Cornelius united with the church in Yale college. Such was his life, during the remainder of his residence in New Haven, that no one was disposed to call in question the genuineness of his piety. In September, he received his first degree.

Chapter II

STUDY OF THEOLOGY WITH DR. DWIGHT REVIVAL OF RE- LIGION AT YALE COLLEGE FAIRHAVEN BENEVOLENT

EFFORTS — RESIDENCE AT LITCHFIELD.

Soon after leaving college, Mr. Cornelius commenced the study of theology under the direction of president Dwight. This eminent individual then discharged the duties of professor of divinity. In addition to the sermons and lectures which he delivered on the Sabbath, and at other times, before the undergraduates, he generally had a select number of theological students, to whom he communicated regular instruction. A number of Mr. Cornelius's most valued class-mates and friends were at this time associated with him in these delightful pursuits. To a fellow-student, then at Andover, he thus writes on the first of March, 1814.